Manaslu Circuit with Larke Pass Trek and Larke Peak Climbing

Most people who walk the Manaslu Circuit are happy just to cross the big pass. But a few look up at the snowy ridge above Larke La and wonder what the world looks like from up there. If you are one of those who are not fulfilled by watching the peak glow just from the base, then climbing Larke Peak is for you.

During this journey, you will follow the classic Manaslu trail for about two weeks, then climb Larke Peak (6,249 m) before crossing the pass and walking down to the Annapurna side. On the way, you will get a full trek through remote valleys and Tibetan-style villages. You also get a real climb on snow and ice, with ropes, crampons, and an ice axe.

It is one of the quieter and more rewarding trips in Nepal. Below is everything you need to know, in plain words: the route, day-by-day plan, difficulty, permits, costs, best season, gear, and safety.

Quick Facts Before the Actual Journey

Trip	Manaslu Larke Pass Trek with Larke Peak Climbing
Region	Manaslu, Gorkha and Manang districts, Nepal
Duration	About 19 days (with a few extra days for rest)
Highest point	Larke Peak, about 6,249 m (20,505 ft)
Pass crossed	Larke La, about 5,106 m (some maps show 5,160 m)
Difficulty	Strenuous, with some technical climbing
Accommodation	Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouses on the trail, tents at base camp and high camp
Best seasons	Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
Trek starts / ends	Soti Khola / Dharapani, then Besisahar
Guide	Licensed guide required by law

What exactly is this over-19-day trip?

The trip actually takes you through the Manaslu Circuit, home to Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Along the journey, you will also encounter Larke La (Larkya La), one of the highest and most challenging mountain passes on the Manaslu Circuit, located north of Manaslu near the Tibet border. This trip is essentially the Manaslu Circuit with an extra adventure added. You will follow the same route as the regular circuit, but instead of simply crossing the pass, you will have the opportunity to take on the Larke Peak climb before continuing across Larke La and completing the circuit. The climb adds a few extra days and brings an exciting mountaineering challenge to an already spectacular trek

If you would like to explore the regular route first, you can check out our Manaslu Circuit Trek. We can also help you customize the trek according to your budget, schedule, and preferences, creating a journey that suits you perfectly. With a friendly and experienced guide by your side, we aim to make your Manaslu adventure safe, enjoyable, and truly memorable.

A Little About Larke Peak

Larke Peak is located within the Manaslu Conservation Area. It was opened to climbers in 2002, and remains a young and quiet peak. There are only a few teams that try it some years. This is a contrast to the more crowded peaks such as Island Peak and Mera Peak.

It is one of the official “trekking peaks” of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). This title may sound somewhat confusing. This does not imply a walk-up. It implies that the summit is not as high as an 8,000 m giant and does not require a big expedition. Just near the top, there’s still a glacier to walk on, fixed ropes to use, and steep snow to climb, all in the cold and thin air

The view from the top is the reward. You look across at Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and Ganesh Himal. On the other side, you can see Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Gyaji Kung. Tibet is only a short distance away to the north.

Why Choose This Trip?

• It is not crowded. You will share the trail with far fewer trekkers than on Everest or Annapurna.
• You get culture and mountains together. The route moves from Hindu villages with terraced fields to high Tibetan Buddhist villages full of mani walls, prayer flags, and old monasteries.
• It is a real first step into mountaineering. You learn to use crampons, ropes, and an ice axe in a beautiful, remote place.
• You are better prepared for the pass. By the time you cross Larke La, you have already spent several days above 4,500 m. The high altitude feels more manageable than it would on a fast circuit.
• It is great preparation for bigger peaks. Many climbers use Larke Peak as a warm-up before aiming at 6,500 m or even 8,000 m mountains.

The Route in Short Along with 19-days Itinerary

The trip starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. Then one has to walk up the valley of Budhi Gandaki, passing through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung. The forest gradually evolves, and the villages begin to resemble Tibetan.

These are some of the images captured by our team along the way to the Manaslu Circuit, showcasing the beautiful journey and memorable moments along the trail.

You reach Samagaon and Samdo, the two big high villages of the Manaslu region. From Samdo, you walk to Dharamsala (also called Larke Phedi), then to Larke Peak Base Camp. After the climb, you cross Larke La and descend to Bimthang, then walk down through Tilje to Dharapani. A jeep takes you on to Besisahar and back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit with Larkya Peak Climbing 19-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m): We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to the hotel. Following that, you will have the option to rest at the hotel or walk around Thamel if you have energy and enjoy your first Nepali meal.

Day 2: Kathmandu preparation: Your guide will check your gear, go through the plan and finalize permits. If you have free time, you can visit Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. This is also a good day to rent or buy anything you are missing.

Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (700 m), 8-9 hours: It is a long drive. The first part is on a paved road, then it turns rough and bumpy after Dhading Besi. The views of the river, terraces, and villages make up for it. Overnight at a teahouse.

Day 4: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869 m), 6-7 hours: You start walking along the Budhi Gandaki River through forest, small villages, and stretches of trail cut into the hillside. Overnight at a teahouse.

Day 5: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m), 6-7 hours: You pass the hot springs at Tatopani, cross a few suspension bridges and climb to Jagat. This is where the permits are checked.

Day 6: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m), 6 hours: The valley narrows, and waterfalls drop from both sides. You get your first views of Sringi Himal. Overnight in Deng.

Day 7: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m), 5-6 hours: On this day, you climb through bamboo and rhododendron forest. Mani stones start to appear, a sign that you are entering Tibetan Buddhist land. If you have energy, you can walk a short way to the village of Prok in the afternoon.

Day 8: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530 m), 5-6 hours: You walk through Lho, where Ngadi Chuli looks huge in the morning light. Then you continue to Samagaon, the biggest village in the upper valley. Manaslu now stands directly above you.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Samagaon: Day 9 is normally our rest day, but you will not want to rest and miss opportunity to explore the Pungyen Gompa, visit Birendra Lake, or a longer walk toward Manaslu Base Camp (about 4,800 m). Walking high and sleeping low is the best way to help your body adjust.

It was quite a moment. During the rest day, we had a small celebration and made some beautiful memories with our guests.

Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860 m), 3-4 hours: A short day. The trail crosses open meadows with wide views of the peaks. Samdo is a small village very close to the Tibet border. Spend the afternoon looking around.

Day 11: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larke Phedi (4,460 m), 4-5 hours: You cross a few streams and pass the old trading area of Larke Bazaar. Then you make a steady climb to Dharamsala. The air is thin, so walk slowly. This is the last teahouse before the climb.

Day 12: Dharamsala to Larke Peak Base Camp (about 5,000 m): You walk up beside the glacier to base camp, which is set up with tents and a cook team. In the afternoon, your climbing guide teaches you how to use your crampons, ice axe, harness and jumar.

Day 13: Base Camp to High Camp (about 5,500 m): This is the day you test your ability; either you choose to move ahead or try to prepare for the actual climb. Depending on the conditions and your plan, you either move up to a higher camp or spend another day training and resting at base camp. The team checks the route and the weather.

Day 14: Summit day. Larke Peak (6,249 m): The day starts very early, usually well before sunrise. You walk on snow and ice, and use fixed ropes on the steeper sections. The top is a long and tiring push, but the view is worth every step. After time on the summit for photos, you carefully descend back to camp.

Day 15: Spare day for weather: As we know Mountain weather is unpredictable. This day gives us a second chance if the wind, snow or a slow start stops the first attempt. If the summit is done, you rest and pack.

Day 16: Base Camp to Larke La (5,106 m) to Bimthang (3,720 m): It is a long day, but you start higher than most circuit trekkers, so the crossing is shorter. From the pass you see Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung and Annapurna II. Then you descend a rocky trail and moraine to the green meadows of Bimthang.

Day 17: Bimthang to Tilje (about 2,300 m), 6-7 hours: The trail goes down through pine and rhododendron forest. It is a gentle change after the cold, and it can be hard on the knees. You are now inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The pass day.

Day 18: Tilje to Dharapani (1,860 m), then jeep to Besisahar (760 m): A short walk brings you to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Trail joins the Annapurna Circuit. Then you take a jeep ride on to Besisahar.

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu, 5-6 hours: You return to your hotel for a hot shower, a celebration dinner, and a very good sleep.

This is our standard itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit with Larke Peak climbing. However, at Top Trail Nepal, we can help you customize the trip according to your budget, available time, and preferences. We will also arrange an experienced guide and take care of the necessary arrangements, so you can focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about the logistics.

The Larke Peak Climb in More Detail

Base camp. It sits close to the foot of the peak, near the pass, and is run with tents. There are no teahouses here. You will eat and sleep in camp, with hot meals cooked by the team.

High camp. Some teams use a higher camp to shorten the summit day. Others climb from base camp. Your guide decides based on snow conditions and how everyone is feeling.

Skills training. Before the summit day, you learn the basics: how to wear and walk in crampons, how to use an ice axe, how to clip in and out of fixed ropes, and how to move as a roped team. You do not need years of experience, but you should be comfortable learning new things.

Summit day. You start in the dark, when the snow is hard and safest. The route goes over glacier ground, then steeper snow and ice, often with fixed ropes. The last part is long and tiring at altitude. Depending on conditions, the day can be 8 to 10 hours or more.

The happy faces during our trip.

Turning back is part of climbing. Sometimes the wind is too strong or the snow is unstable. A good guide will call it off, and that is the right call. This is why the spare day matters.

How Difficult Is the Whole Journey?

While only reaching the Larke Pass and completing the Manaslu Circuit might not be difficult for trekkers, the climb to Larke Peak is quite a tough journey for all. What makes the journey hard is:

• Long walking days, often 5 to 7 hours, for many days in a row.
• Altitude, with several nights above 4,000 m and a summit above 6,000 m.
• Cold, especially at base camp, high camp and on summit day.
• Technical sections with ropes, crampons and steep snow.

If you want to make this climb, you do not need to be a pro athlete or a professional climber. But you should be in good shape, be comfortable with long days on your feet, and preferably have some experience walking at altitude, such as another trek above 4,000 m. If this would be your first trek ever, we would suggest starting with something like the Manaslu Circuit or another trek first, and coming back to Larke Peak later.

Not sure if you’re ready? Send us a message with your fitness and trekking background. We will tell you honestly what we think. You can also read our beginner-friendly guide to trekking peak climbing in Nepal.

Best Time to Go

Autumn (September to November) is the most popular season. The skies are clear after the monsoon, the air is fresh, and the mountain views are excellent. October and early November are usually the most stable months. Autumn is also cheaper for the NMA climbing permit (more on that below).

Spring (March to May) is another good choice. The weather is warmer, and the forests below Namrung are full of blooming rhododendrons. Views can be slightly hazier than in autumn, but the trail feels alive and colorful.

Winter (December to February) is very cold, with heavy snow on the pass. Only well-prepared teams should think about it.

Monsoon (June to August) is not recommended. There is rain, leeches, landslides on the road to Soti Khola, and clouds that hide the mountains.

Permits and Costs

This trip needs more paperwork than a normal trek. However, you don’t have to worry about the paperwork and permits, as our team will cover all the necessary paperwork, allowing you to enjoy hassel free tereking experience.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Manaslu is a restricted area close to the Tibet border. The permit price is USD 100 for the first 7 days for every person, followed by USD 15 for an extra day in autumn from September to November. It costs a total of USD 75 for the first 7 days, and an additional USD 10 per day from December to August.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). About NPR 3,000 per person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). About NPR 3,000 per person. You need this because the trek finishes in the Annapurna region after Larke La.

Larke Peak climbing permit (NMA). The Nepal Mountaineering Association charges foreign climbers USD 350 in spring and USD 175 in autumn, winter, and summer. There is also a refundable garbage deposit for climbing permits.

Local municipality fee. A small fee collected in cash at Jagat by the local rural municipality. Ask your agency for the current amount.

Each of these fees and charges for permits and paperwork may vary depending on the season and destination, so some differences may occur over time. However, we will always ensure that you receive a clear and transparent breakdown of all costs, so you know exactly what you are paying for.

How Does Larke Peak Compare With Other Peaks?

Mera Peak and Island Peak in the Everest region are more popular. They can be busy in the main season, but the lodges and trails are well developed. Similarly, Chulu Far East (combined with Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass) is a tougher, more remote option on the Annapurna side.

On the other hand, Larke Peak is somewhere in between. It is quiet, remote, and part of a full circuit trek. It is also more of a challenge than a simple first peak because the trek is long and the route is remote.

You can see all our climbing trips on our Peak Climbing page.

So if you want to add a peak climbing experience to your profile, we would be happy to customize your Larke Peak trip. Want extra acclimatization days? We can add them. Interested in the Tsum Valley before joining the main circuit? We can build that in, see our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek for an idea. Want to combine the trip with other Nepal experiences? Just tell us. If you would like to hear from other travelers, read our guest testimonials.